How to transport children in the car

On May 15, International Family Day was celebrated, and many families enjoyed a drive with all their relatives. Children, being the most vulnerable, have specific rules for their car journeys. Most people recognize the importance of complying with safety rules, but not everyone knows what procedures to follow.

Article 55 of the Highway Code, which regulates the transportation of children in the car, states that children under the age of 12 and less than 135cm tall must travel in cars equipped with seat belts and be secured by approved restraint systems adapted to their size and weight. These child restraint systems (CRS) must be installed in the back seat, with a few exceptions:

• Child under the age of 3 and transported using a rear-facing restraint system, in which case the airbag cannot be activated in the passenger seat;

• Child aged 3 or over and the car does not have safety belts in the rear seat or does not have a seat in the rear;

• If it is not possible to install three CRS in the rear seat, the tallest child, provided he/she is over 3 years old, can be transported using CRS in the front seat.

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Cars that are not equipped with seat belts are not allowed to transport children.

Considering that there are only approved restraint systems up to 36 kg, children under 12 years old and less than 135 cm tall can be transported with a seat belt and booster.

Please note that when using a 3-point seat belt and the diagonal strap is over the child's neck, NEVER place this strap under the arm, as safety conditions are greatly compromised. It is preferable to place the strap behind the back, so that it can be used in the same way as a 2-point belt. When using a 2-point belt, choose seats where the child has the back of the front seat as protection.

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Source: ANSR

Translated with DeepL.com